MN Guard Member Education Benefits

1. MN Guard Member Education Benefits Presented by: Minnesota National Guard Education Office www.MinnesotaNationalGuard.org/education AND Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Higher Education Veterans Programs Regional Coordinator – (name and Contact Information) www.MyMilitaryEducation.org

2. MN Guard Member Education Benefits State Tuition Reimbursement (STR) Extended State Tuition Reimbursement Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) Free Application Federal Student Aid Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) Chapter 1606 Chapter 1607 Chapter 30 Chapter 33 (New Post 9-11 GI Bill) MN GI Bill

3. MN Guard Member Education Benefits Use your Chain of Command FIRST! Your Unit Full Time Staff have the ability to make inquiries on your behalf about your education benefits.

4. MN Guard Member Education Benefits State Tuition Reimbursement (STR) STR pays up to 100% of tuition but NOT Fees upon successful completion  Maximum reimbursement is 100% of the undergraduate rate of the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities Campus undergraduate tuition rate CY 08-09 rate $326.92 per credit/maximum of $4250.00 per term The lifetime maximum STR benefit is 144 Semester credits  Service Members reserve STR funding through full-time unit representative. Upon successful course completion, Service Member must submit paid fee statement and course grades to Unit Admin Undergraduate courses -no less than “C” grade Graduate courses -no less than “B” grade Payments will be direct deposited into Service Member’s bank account. Service Member MUST submit payment request within 60 days of course completion.

5. MN Guard Member Education Benefits Extended State Tuition Reimbursement (STR) STR has been extended to Service Members who have satisfactorily completed their service contract(s) in the MN National Guard who served honorably in federal active service or federally funded state active service since September 11, 2001 and have not exhausted their STR benefits.Eligibility is extended for a period of two years, plus amount of time equal to the duration of active service. STR has been extended to Service Members who have been separated or discharged from that organization due to a service-connected injury, disease, or disability and have not exhausted their STR benefits. Eligibility period is extended for eight years beyond the date of separation.

6. MN Guard Member Education Benefits SPOUSE State Tuition Reimbursement Option Service Member’s may opt to have their Spouse use a portion of their remaining balance of STR Spouse can use up to 12 semester credits per year The Service Member must have accumulated 8 years of qualifying service in the MNANG. Payments will be direct deposited into the Service Member’s bank account Obligation and Payment requests will work the same as for a Service Member’s

7. MN Guard Member Education Benefits ARNG FEDERAL TUITION ASSISTANCE(FTA) Non deployed Enlisted and Deployed officer and Warrant Officer FTA will fund up to 100% of tuition plus most fees. Pays up to $250.00 per semester credit or $167.00 per quarter credit, with a maximum benefit per Soldier of $4500.00 per fiscal year. FTA makes payment directly to the school. FY 2009 runs from 20081001 – 20090930. Funding based on FY and how much NGB allots MN. FTA IS NOT a guaranteed benefit. To apply go to https://minuteman.ngb.army.mil/benefits/ SOLDIER MUST MONITOR THEIR AKO EMAIL ACCOUNTS FOR APPROVAL OR DENIAL OF FTA .

8. MN Guard Member Education Benefits Non deployed Enlisted and Deployed officer and Warrant Officer (FTA), continued Approval time to disbursement to school, at a minimum, can take 90 days. Apply BEFORE course begins - can apply 90 days prior to start of courses. Soldier must be a member of the MNARNG in a ‘drilling’ status. Soldier must not acquire 9 or more AWOLS or become an UNSAT participant to be eligible. Officers may use FTA, but will accrue a 4 yr obligation from the last time used. If elect to separate sooner, is required to pay back a prorated amount. Soldier must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or greater Soldier must submit degree plan to the MN ARNG Education Office to receive this benefit.

9. MN Guard Member Education Benefits Army Continuing Education System (ACES) AGR Soldiers and Deployed Enlisted Soldiers ACES will fund up to 100% of tuition plus most fees. Pays up to $250.00 per semester credit or $167.00 per quarter credit, with a maximum of $4500.00 per fiscal year. To apply for ACES TA go to www.GoArmyEd.com. The MN National Guard Education office does not administer the TA program. MNARNG AGR & Deployed Enlisted Soldier’s Education Office is located in Illinois. Contact the Rock Island Education Center in IL for questions at Phone: (309) 782-1849 or email them at earmyu@ria.army.mil

10. MN Guard Member Education Benefits Army Continuing Education System (ACES) AGR Soldiers and Deployed Enlisted Soldiers (ACES), Cont. LOI and Non-LOI Schools: LOI pays up front to school Non LOI – member pays, once grades are submitted, member will be reimbursed by the Active Army Component Soldier must maintain a GPA of 2.0. Soldier cannot fail a class or recoupment will occur.

11. MN Guard Member Education Benefits Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Since payment from FTA and STR cannot exceed 100% of tuition costs, apply for Federally funded grants, state grants and student loans by completing a FAFSA. Complete application Online at : www.fafsa.ed.gov If FAFSA reports income is too high for Grants eligibility, request a “Special Circumstance evaluation” from your Campus Financial Aid Office.

12. MN Guard Member Education Benefits Montgomery GI Bill, Chapter 1606 Selected Reserve Eligible Service Members receive a maximum of 36 months of MGIB Benefits for full time study (currently $329.00 per month).  A 14 year window to use this benefit (date of graduation from AIT/OBC). Three Main Eligibility Criteria: 6Yr Contract High School Diploma or Equivalent IADT (AIT/OBC) Graduation

13. MN Guard Member Education Benefits Chapter 1607 - Reserve Education Assistance Program REAP benefit is payable based on a percentage of Active Duty GI Bill. Amount paid is based on number of days deployed. No time window , if you stay in an active drilling status with unit. Maximum benefit is 36 months. Monthly full-time rates (August 1, 2009): - Service of 90 days but less than one year: $528.40 - Service of 1 year +: $792.60 - Service of 2 years +: $1056.80

14. MN Guard Member Education Benefits MGIBill Chapter 1606, 1607 and 30 Can Be Used For: College Technical or Vocational Courses Correspondence Courses Apprenticeship/Job Training Flight Training High-tech Training Licensing & Certification Tests Entrepreneurship Training Certain Entrance Examinations The NEW Chapter 33 can ONLY be used for programs of study at Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL).

15. MN Guard Member Education Benefits Chapter 30 Generally earned by serving 36 months active duty Guard/Reservists who have served at least 20 months of 24-month Title 10 orders MAY be eligible for Chapter 30 36 months of payment while attending an approved program AGRs can earn Chapter 30 benefits $1200 buy-in

16. MN Guard Member Education Benefits NEW Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill) At least 90 days Active Duty Service on or after 9-11-01 AGR Soldiers not eligible based solely on AGR service (Mob time DOES count) Funding based on percentage of time served on Active Duty (MOB Time) Actual Tuition and Fees (Up to Highest Cost In-State Public Institution Rate) Monthly Housing Allowance (E5 BAH with Dependents same zip code as school) (must attend at least one class “in Residence”) Up to $1,000 Yearly Books and Supplies One time $500 allowance for certain individuals relocating from highly rural areas NO PAY- IN REQUIREMENTS Transfer Option for Dependents, determined by DOD

17. MN Guard Member Education Benefits Chap 33 Funding Based on Percentage of Time Served Individuals serving an aggregate period of active duty after September 10, 2001, of: % of Maximum Benefit At least 36 months 100 At least 30 continuous days and discharged due to service connected disability 100 At least 30 months < 36 months 90 At least 24 months < 30 months 80 At least 18 months < 24 months 70 At least 12 months < 18 months 60 At least 6 months < 12 months 50 At least 90 days < 6 months 40

18. Chapter 33 PROPOSED Benefit Transfer Options (Not yet in Policy – Subject to Change) • Member must be eligible for Post 9-11 G I Bill. • To transfer to Spouse - Have served 6 years and agree to serve an additional 4 years (AD or SELRES) on date of election. Eligibility End Date: 15 yrs from SM’s Release from last Active Duty period • To transfer to Children - Have served 10 years (AD or SELES) on date of election*. Eligibility End Date: NLT child’s 26th Birthday. • DOD is considering options for members who cannot commit to an additional 4 years because of Retention Control or Mandatory Retirement. • Transferred Benefits may be used for the same educational programs and the same rate as would be paid to the member. Visit: www.GIBILL.VA.GOV MN Guard Member Education Benefits

19. MN Guard Member Education Benefits Kicker (Enlistment Contract Incentive) Kickers are an incentive you are eligible for if it is stated in your enlistment/re-enlistment contract . If you are eligible, a Kicker can be used in conjunction with MGIB Chapter 1606, 1607, 30, or 33. Maximum benefit is 36 months

20. MN Guard Member Education Benefits Montgomery GI Bill - QUALIFYING FOR 2 OR MORE PROGRAMS 36 months maximum benefit if you qualify for any 1 program Chapter 1606 Chapter 1607 Chapter 30 Chapter 33 48 months total benefit of you qualify for 2 or more MGIB programs. Examples: Soldier uses 30 months of Chapter 1606 MGIB, then qualifies for Chapter 1607 due to MOB; soldier is eligible for 18 months of Chapter 1607 benefits – total 48 month between Chapter 1606 & CH 1607. Soldier uses 36 months of CH 1606 MGIB, then qualifies for CH 30 due to AGR tour; soldier is eligible for 12 months of CH 30 benefits – total of 48 months between Chapter 1606 & Chapter 30.

21. MN Guard Member Education Benefits Minnesota GI Bill, M.S. 197.791 Eligibility: Active duty since Sept. 11, 2001 or 5 consecutive years Guard/Reserve MN resident; MN college/university Maximum benefit: $1K/semester (full-time) $3K/fiscal year $10K lifetime Process: Apply on-line or through the College Financial Aid Office “Last Dollar In:” Cost of attendance minus Aid and Benefits For information: www.getreadyforcollege.org/military

22. Higher Education Veterans Programs Created by MN Department of Veterans Affairs in 2006 to: ASSIST MN Public Colleges and Universities to Create on campus Veterans Resource Centers Develop “veterans friendly” policies/procedures Implement Deferred Tuition/Fee Payment Residency status Military transfer credits Coordinate on/off campus information and services Private Colleges Encouraged to Participate

23. Higher Education Veterans Programs FIRST program of its kind Coordinated Services available to ALL Minnesota Colleges and Universities MN Colleges and Universities develop programs using their own funds Serves All Military branches and their families See www.MyMilitaryEducation.org to contact a Regional Coordinator for assistance

24. Higher Education Veterans Programs Currently: Twelve Regional Coordinators 57 Campus Veterans Resource Centers 5,200 + Individuals Served Provide College and Community Training Member MN National Guard Reintegration Team

25. Where can you get Help? YOUR UNIT FIRST Higher Education Veterans Program Regional Coordinators www.MyMilitaryEducation.org

26. Other Places to Seek Help or Information Dislocated Worker Program Offers additional funds to help pay for your education if: You have been permanently laid off because – Your employer went out of business Was bought by another company, Merged with another company, Closed your department, Eliminated your position, Recently returned from Active Military Duty. AND You are eligible to receive re-employment (unemployment) benefits AND It is unlikely that another employer will hire you to do the same work you were doing when you were laid off. Contact your local Workforce Center Veterans Rep

27. Other Places to Seek Help or Information County Veterans Service Officers (CVSO) Located in all MN Counties Assist with claims and provide information about: Compensation Pension Life insurance Medical benefits Home loans Minnesota veterans state benefits Discharge upgrades Burial benefits See www.MyMilitaryEducation.org for contact information

28. Other Places to Seek Help or Information Federal VA Vocational Rehabilitation Veteran with at least VA 20% disability rating, may qualify for vocational rehabilitation services – possibly including retraining. Apply thru County Veterans Service Officer If eligible for retraining, you may receive: Monthly subsistence allowance Tuition Fees, Books, Supplies Equipment If needed, special services See www.MyMilitaryEducation.org for contact information

29. Thank You for your Service For more information or to locate a Regional Coordinator www.MyMilitaryEducation.org